Dennis Munetsi (PhD student) – ASRH Program Assistant
As someone who once stood in the shoes of a trainee in one of ZNFPC’s lecture halls at its headquarters in Harare, I know firsthand the transformative power of Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) training in advancing and improving health outcomes among adolescents, youth, and the broader community. In the third quarter of 2024, I participated in ASRH training, an experience that equipped me with the knowledge and skills to become a trainer. Today, I see myself reflected in the faces of new trainees – peer educators who are eager, curious, and ready to make a difference in their communities.
Peer educators play a crucial role in advocating for a health-conscious young generation in Zimbabwe. They serve as conduits of knowledge, bridging gaps in ASRH education across diverse social, cultural, and geographic contexts. The adage, “knowledge is power,” holds particular significance in this context – peer educator training provides young people with the tools to break through socio-cultural barriers, advocate for their health, and inspire behavioral change in their communities. From 11th – 14th February, 2025, more than 25 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) peer educators from Mbare, a high-density suburb in Harare, and Epworth gathered at Cresta Jameson Hotel for ASRH training. The event fostered an engaging and dynamic learning environment where participants from diverse socio-cultural and economic backgrounds interacted while learning critical sexual and reproductive health knowledge.
Mr Dennis Munetsi (a PhD student) delivers a presentation on the benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Reproductive Health programming
The program delved into a wide range of topics, including reproductive and mental health, economic literacy, modern technologies in reproductive healthcare management, and essential life skills training. More than just acquiring knowledge and a certificate for those that passed the final exam, every one of them, at their various learning capacities, left with a comprehensive toolkit to effectively address ASRH issues in their communities. Having been through a similar journey, I understand that the success of these ZNFPC-led training programs extend beyond mere knowledge training and certification. Their strength lies in sustainability and capacity-building. A defining feature of these programs is their ability to transform graduates into trainers, ensuring a continuous cycle of education and mentorship. I am a testament to this. Like me, Tendai Mwedzi, who now serves as a Youth Officer at Five Avenues Youth Center, once participated in these training sessions. Now, we stand on the other side, guiding the next generation of change-makers.
By equipping young people with accurate and accessible ASRH information, the training program contributes significantly to Zimbabwe’s broader health objectives. It empowers youths to become advocates, mentors and role models, instigating lasting social and behavioral change. Beyond contributing to public health, trainees gain invaluable personal and professional benefits – leadership skills, career development opportunities and newfound confidence in their abilities. The ripple effects extend far beyond individual participants, fostering a well-informed, health-conscious, and resilient society for future generations. For me, peer education was not just a training but a gateway to leadership, advocacy and the ability to effect real change. As I stand before new trainees, I see the future of Zimbabwe’s health landscape taking shape, one empowered young person at a time.